Page 23 of Chasing Mr. December

My mouth drops open, completely enchanted by this take no prisoners siren. Leave it to her to put a positive spin on my neanderthal behavior. Quinn surprises me further by abruptly turning toward her car and walking away, leaving me utterly disappointed I won’t have the chance to grovel.

Because, suddenly, I’d give anything to do just that.

Chapter 16

Quinn

“Girl, I’ve been waiting for Friday all damn week,” Callie squeals as we walk arm and arm through the parking lot of the Diddled Fiddle.

“God, me too. I’m exhausted. I need a few hours of cocktails and laughs.” I’ve literally worn myself out going door to door asking for donations. I need to clear my head of all stress tonight.

“Well, first round is on me,” Callie declares as the hostess leads us to a booth with a great view of the bar and the dance floor. “Can we get two margaritas with salt?”

“Coming right up.”

“Okay, spill the tea, sister. Tell me what happened when Jason tried to apologize to you. I need all of the glorious details.”

I give my sweet friend a play-by-play, leaving out that I was tempted at one point to tell him I was partially to blame, given I was on him like a cat in heat to do that calendar. But the more I thought about it, I wasn’t letting any man speak to me that way.

I’d read a quote recently, and it stuck with me.Don’t settle for breadcrumbs when you deserve the whole bakery.I have no idea who said it, but they were absolutely right. I’ve always believed you teach people how they’re allowed to treat you. And if I want the fairy tale happily ever after, I’m not accepting any less.

“Hey, isn’t that your broody teenage dream?”

I follow Callie’s index finger to the bar. There sits Jason with an incredibly hot guy that could almost be his twin. Jason’s a little taller and leaner, but they’re both incredibly fit with dark inky hair and sexy scruff covering their sharp jawline. They’re also both covered in ink. Lifting a menu, I start to fan myself. “Holy hell, Callie. The only thing hotter than Jason Bristow, is two of him.”

“Right?” She giggles. “I don’t recognize his doppelgänger. Think he’s visiting from out of town?”

Lifting my cocktail to my lips, I take a big sip. “Possibly. Gah, do you think he’s a firefighter too?”

Callie bites down on her lower lip. “If so, I might need a road trip to visit that mountain town they’re from.”

We continue to sip our drinks and watch them from a distance until we’re interrupted by Corbin and his friend.

“Hey, Callie. Quinn. This is my friend, Terrence.”

“Hey, Corbin. Nice to meet you, Terrence,” I add.

“We literally got here fifteen minutes ago, but my girlfriend called, and she has a flat tire. You want the chips and guac they just delivered? Otherwise, it’s going to go to waste.”

“Sure. You’re such a good egg, Corbin,” Callie says almost dreamily.

“Be careful out there.”

“We will.” Terrence deposits the food on our table. “See you guys.”

Callie shakes her head. “See, that’s as attractive as a guy’s looks, in my opinion. A good man who knows how to treat his girl. Dropping everything to rescue her.”

“Yeah. You’re right.” I chomp on a tortilla chip. “But the view still ain’t bad from here.” I laugh between bites.

Jason

“Hey, can we get another round?” Trevor asks the bartender.

“Sure thing.”

“This place is great.”

The waiter deposits two amber bottles in front of us, and we clink the necks in unison. “To good friends,” I say. “Thanks for coming down here on your break. I’ve only been here a few weeks, and I’m so ready to get home.”

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